Common Misconceptions Around Solar in the UK - Recom Technologies UK
Get informed about solar energy and its benefits for homeowners and businesses alike. Learn about common misconceptions around this renewable source of power in the United Kingdom, and how these misbeliefs can hinder the uptake towards a sustainable future
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22 Aug Common Misconceptions Around Solar in the UK

Posted at 13:33h in Blogs by

Solar energy has gained significant popularity in recent years as a clean and renewable source of power. However, despite its growing acceptance across multiple industries, there are still several misconceptions that surround solar energy in the UK. These misbeliefs can hinder the uptake of a sustainable energy source in both homeowners and businesses, as well as the future proofing of the job market. In this article, some common misconceptions around solar energy in the UK will be addressed to shed light on the benefits that are associated with its use towards a sustainable future.

‘Solar doesn’t work in the UK because of its cloudy weather’

According to a recent survey conducted, it was found that 7.4 million people think that solar panels do not work when the weather is overcast, whilst 5.7 million people hold the belief that solar energy can only be generated in summer. While it is true that solar energy is more optimally produced on sunny days, solar panels can still generate electricity even on cloudy days. Solar panels are designed to harness both direct and diffuse sunlight, meaning they can still produce power even when the sun is not shining brightly.

Although the UK’s geographical position does mean an overall cloudier and wetter climate, solar panels are still able to generate a substantial amount of electricity in these conditions, and additionally, colder temperatures can be more optimal for solar efficiency.

At Recom UK, our solar modules are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, from rain, hail and snow to dust and wind. The extremes to which they can withstand will vary dependant on the model type.

‘Solar panels are too expensive’

Another common misconception is that solar panels are too expensive, with research suggesting that 7.4 million people believe solar power is more expensive than fossil fuels. However, the cost of solar panels has decreased significantly decreased in the last decade, by approximately 80%. In the UK, government incentives and subsidy schemes, such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), have further reduced the upfront costs of installing solar panels. Additionally, advancements in technology and increased competition in the solar industry have contributed to the affordability of solar systems. With the potential for long-term energy savings and the availability of financing options, solar power is becoming an increasingly viable and cost-effective choice for homeowners and businesses.

A further common misbelief is that solar panels will decrease a property’s value, which is false as recent research indicated that solar panels add around 4.1% to a home’s price in 2023. Giving homeowners the opportunity to make money, save money on electricity bills by selling back to the grid and doing their bit for a greener future for generations to come.

‘Solar panels require constant maintenance’

There is a belief that solar panels are high maintenance, requiring frequent repairs and cleaning. As the industry is rapidly growing within the United Kingdom, all businesses that can provide a service to solar PV consumers are jumping onto the opportunities arising. Such as companies approaching homeowners with solar panels to pitch cleaning services or solar installers upselling monthly maintenance as a costly add on.

To sum the above points up, addressing these common misconceptions surrounding solar energy in the UK is vital in encouraging wider adoption of solar energy and helping pave the way towards a more sustainable future. Despite the UK’s renown cloudiness and cooler weather, solar panels are still an effective electricity source. The cost of solar panels has also become more affordable in more recent years, due to the increase in demand for PV solutions and a wider market. With solar energy growing in popularity and use across the UK, these misconceptions are important to tackle so that consumers can benefit from the reduced carbon emissions and fuel costs, amongst other benefits, that solar panels can provide for both homeowners and businesses.